Hexnode vs Jamf: A Practical Guide for IT Teams

In today’s hybrid-first world, managing and securing a diverse fleet of devices – across platforms, locations, and user roles – is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity.

Whether you’re an IT admin juggling endpoints across departments, a security lead tightening compliance, or an MSP scaling operations for multiple clients, the right Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution can make or break your strategy.

Two names often at the center of this conversation are Hexnode and Jamf.

Both are powerful players in the UEM space, but they cater to different strengths, ecosystems, and organizational needs.

This blog dives into a comprehensive, side-by-side comparison of Hexnode vs Jamf. Our goal? To help you make an informed decision based on your unique priorities – whether that’s Apple-first management, cross-platform flexibility, or operational scalability.

Let’s break it down.

👀 Overview of the Two Platforms

When evaluating Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solutions, understanding the DNA of each platform is crucial.

Hexnode and Jamf may both fall under the UEM umbrella, but they’re built with distinct philosophies and serve different operational needs.

🔍 Feature-to-Feature Comparison

To help IT teams and decision-makers evaluate the practical strengths of each platform, here’s a detailed breakdown of how Hexnode and Jamf compare across key UEM capabilities.

🖥️ Platform Support & Device Compatibility

Choosing a UEM solution starts with understanding what devices and operating systems it can manage.

Hexnode: Broad, Cross-Platform Coverage

Hexnode has evolved into a true cross-platform UEM, supporting a wide array of operating systems and device types. As of late 2024, Hexnode expanded its support to include Linux, ChromeOS, and visionOS, in addition to its existing coverage of Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, tvOS, and Fire OS.

✅ Supported Platforms:

Apple: iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS
Android: Android OS, Fire OS, Android TV
Windows: Windows 10 and above
Linux: Ubuntu (22.04, 24.04), Fedora (39, 40), Debian 10
ChromeOS: Full support for enterprise Chromebooks

Jamf: Apple-First, Expanding Security Reach

Jamf has long been the gold standard for Apple device management, but it’s also expanding its security capabilities to support Android, Windows, and Google platforms – primarily through Jamf Protect and Jamf for Mobile.

✅ Supported Platforms:

Apple: macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, visionOS, watchOS
Others (Security only): Android, Windows, Google OS (via Jamf Protect)

🔐 Device Management & Enrollment Capabilities

Device enrollment is the gateway to effective endpoint management. It sets the tone for how easily IT teams can onboard, configure, and secure devices – whether they’re corporate-owned, BYOD, or shared across teams. Let’s break down how Hexnode and Jamf handle this critical phase.

Hexnode: Flexible, Multi-Platform Enrollment

Hexnode offers a rich suite of enrollment options designed to accommodate diverse device types, ownership models, and enterprise workflows. Its strength lies in cross-platform flexibility and deep integration with identity providers.

🔄 Enrollment Methods:

• Apple Automated Device Enrollment (ADE): Zero-touch onboarding for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and tvOS via Apple Business Manager
• Android Zero-Touch Enrollment (ZTE): Seamless provisioning for corporate Android devices
• Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment (KME): Persistent enrollment even after factory reset
• Windows Autopilot: Pre-configure and deploy Windows 10/11 devices out-of-the-box
• ROM-Based Enrollment: For rugged Android devices with custom firmware
• QR Code Enrollment: Personalized QR codes with embedded Wi-Fi and encryption settings
• Email/SMS-Based Enrollment: Secure user authentication via credentials
• Apple Configurator Enrollment: USB-based provisioning for Apple devices without ABM

Jamf: Apple-Native, Streamlined Enrollment

Jamf is built around Apple’s ecosystem, offering deep integration with Apple’s device management frameworks. It’s optimized for zero-touch deployment, BYOD, and institutional ownership.

🔄 Enrollment Methods:

Automated Device Enrollment (ADE): Zero-touch setup via Apple Business Manager; prevents MDM profile removal

Device Enrollment:

• Profile-Driven: Via Jamf enrollment URL
• Account-Driven: Login with Managed Apple ID directly on device

User Enrollment:

• Designed for personally owned devices
• Separates personal and institutional data
• Supported on iOS/iPadOS 15+, visionOS 1.1+

🏆 Highlight Section: Customer Success Story

WorkMerk: Securing Multi-OS Devices with Hexnode UEM

WorkMerk, a workflow technology company based in Philadelphia, needed a reliable solution to manage and secure devices used by caregivers. Their client’s tablets – both Apple and Android – were being misused for personal browsing and unauthorized app downloads, leading to frequent malware issues and manual IT intervention.

After testing several MDMs including Jamf, WorkMerk chose Hexnode for its:

• Cross-platform support (Android, iOS, Windows)
• Kiosk lockdown to restrict devices to essential apps
• Policy-based control across operating systems
• Ease of deployment and reduced IT overhead

Hexnode enabled WorkMerk to secure endpoints, streamline workflows, and improve productivity – making it a clear choice over Apple-centric tools for organizations managing diverse device fleets.

🔗 Read the full story

🛡️ Security & Compliance

In today’s threat landscape, Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) isn’t just about control – it’s about resilience, visibility, and trust. Both Hexnode and Jamf offer robust security frameworks.

Hexnode: Policy-Driven, Zero Trust-Ready Security

Hexnode’s security architecture is built around compliance, data protection, and zero-trust principles.

🔐 Certifications & Infrastructure

• ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certified – Validated by BSI with no major non-conformities
• SOC 2 Type 2 Attested – Covers security, availability, and confidentiality controls
• Hosted on AWS – With DDoS mitigation, TLS encryption, and physical security

🧠 Core Security Features

Data Loss Prevention (DLP):

• Restrict USB, Bluetooth, and tethering
• Prevent copy/paste between managed and unmanaged apps
• Enforce containerization and app sandboxing

Encryption Enforcement:

• BitLocker (Windows), FileVault (macOS), and full-disk encryption policies

Web Content Filtering:

• Block malicious or non-compliant websites
• Create secure browsing environments with kiosk mode

Device Compliance Monitoring:

• Jailbreak/root detection
• OS version checks, patch status, and privilege escalation alerts

Conditional Access:

• Integrates with Microsoft Entra ID and Okta
• Restrict access to corporate apps based on compliance status

Lost Device Protection:

• Real-time location tracking
• Remote lock, wipe, and “Lost Mode” with custom messages

📋 Compliance Management

Custom Compliance Policies:

• Define rules for password strength, inactivity, geofencing, app compliance

Compliance Dashboard:

• Real-time status of all devices
• Alerts for non-compliant endpoints

Regulatory Alignment:

• Supports GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001, SOC 2, and more

Jamf: Apple-Native Security with Deep Compliance Automation

Jamf’s security model is tightly integrated with Apple’s Endpoint Security Framework, offering real-time visibility, automated compliance, and advanced threat detection – especially for macOS and iOS environments.

🔐 Certifications & Frameworks

• Alignment with CIS, NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171, DISA STIG
• Jamf Protect: Built specifically for macOS security and compliance
• Jamf Security Portal: Transparency into certifications and risk posture

🧠 Core Security Features

Jamf Protect:

• Real-time threat detection and telemetry
• Behavioral analytics and malware prevention
• Integration with Apple’s Gatekeeper, XProtect, MRT

Compliance Benchmarks:

• Pre-built templates for CIS and NIST standards
• Continuous monitoring and remediation workflows

Endpoint Visibility:

• Deep telemetry into user, system, and network activity
• Automated alerts and incident response timelines

Authentication & Access Control:

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and SSO
• Role-based access and change management logs

Secure Content Distribution:

• CDN-backed app and content delivery via Amazon S3, Akamai, and Rackspace

📋 Compliance Management

Policy-Based Targeting:

• Apply security policies to dynamic groups

SIEM Integration:

• Export logs and alerts to Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel, and other tools

🎨 User Experience & Interface

A UEM solution’s interface isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about efficiency, clarity, and control. Whether it’s the admin dashboard or the end-user app, the experience should empower users while keeping IT in the driver’s seat.

Let’s explore how Hexnode and Jamf approach user experience across platforms.

Hexnode: Customizable, Cross-Platform UI

Hexnode offers a highly customizable interface for both administrators and end-users, with a focus on streamlining workflows and minimizing distractions.

🧑‍💻 Admin Experience

• Unified Dashboard: A single pane of glass to manage Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, and more.
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Tailor the dashboard based on roles – IT admins, helpdesk, compliance officers.
• Policy-Driven UI Customization: Admins can define what users see and interact with on their devices.

Jamf: Apple-Native, Seamless Experience

Jamf’s interface is designed to feel native to Apple environments, offering a frictionless experience for both IT and end-users.

🧑‍💻 Admin Experience

Jamf Pro Dashboard: Clean, modular interface with smart/static group management.
Application & Custom Settings:

• Admins can use JSON schemas to configure app settings for macOS.
• Supports granular control over app behavior, privacy, and notifications.

Featured resource

Transforming Businesses with Apple TV Management

Explore how Hexnode empowers organizations to deploy, manage, and secure Apple TVs at scale.

Download Whitepaper

🔗 Integration Options

A UEM solution’s ability to integrate with your existing infrastructure – identity providers, ITSM platforms, security tools, and productivity suites – can significantly impact operational efficiency and scalability. Both Hexnode and Jamf offer robust integration ecosystems.

Hexnode: Broad Enterprise Integration Across Platforms

Hexnode is designed to be platform-agnostic, offering integrations that span identity management, IT service management, security, and productivity tools. Its RESTful API also allows for custom integrations tailored to unique enterprise needs.

🔐 Identity & Directory Services

• Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD): Conditional Access, device compliance enforcement, SSO
• Google Workspace: Simplified user and device enrollment, Chrome management
• Okta: User sync, authentication, and policy-based enrollment across iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS
• Active Directory (AD): AD-based device management and policy inheritance

🛠️ ITSM & Productivity Tools

• Freshservice: Ticketing and asset management integration
• Zendesk: Helpdesk automation and device context sync
• SCCM: Co-management for Windows endpoints

🛡️ Security & Compliance

• Drata & Vanta: Compliance automation for SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA
• Check Point Harmony Mobile: Mobile threat defense integration
• Samsung Knox, LG GATE: OEM-level device security and enrollment

🧰 Developer & Custom Integrations

• Hexnode API: RESTful JSON API for custom workflows and third-party app integration

Jamf: Apple-Centric Ecosystem with Deep Enterprise Hooks

Jamf’s integration strategy is focused on enhancing Apple-first environments, with deep ties to identity, security, and service platforms. The Jamf Marketplace offers hundreds of plug-and-play integrations for IT automation and security.

🔐 Identity & Access Management

• Okta: Unified identity across Apple devices, SSO, and secure access
• Microsoft Entra ID: Integration for conditional access and identity federation
• Google Identity: Extend Google Workspace identity into Apple environments

🛠️ ITSM & Workflow Automation

• ServiceNow: Jamf Pro integrates via Service Graph Connector or third-party middleware for asset tracking and incident management
• SwiftConnect: Physical access control via Apple Wallet

🛡️ Security & Threat Defense

• Jamf Protect + Red Canary: Endpoint telemetry, threat detection, and response automation
• AWS Verified Access: Secure cloud access for macOS EC2 instances

🧰 Developer & Custom Integrations

• Jamf API & Jamf Connect: OIDC-based SSO, app provisioning, and login customization

💰 Pricing & Licensing

Pricing in the UEM space isn’t just about cost – it’s about scalability, transparency, and alignment with your device strategy. Hexnode and Jamf offer distinct pricing models tailored to different organizational needs, device types, and deployment scales.

Hexnode: Transparent, Device-Based Pricing

Hexnode follows a per-device pricing model, making it easy for organizations to scale based on actual usage.

• Minimum Licenses: 15 devices
• Billing Options: Monthly or annually
• Support Fees: No additional support or maintenance fees
• Trial: 14-day fully functional trial with Ultra license
• License Scope: Pay only for devices actively managed

Jamf: Tiered Apple-Centric Plans with Minimums

Jamf offers tiered pricing based on device type and business size. Plans are billed annually, and pricing varies depending on whether you’re managing Macs, mobile devices, or operating as a small business.

• Billing Options: Annual only
• Support: Standard support included; Premium Services available
• Trial: 14-day free trial available on request
• Premium Cloud Add-on: Optional hosting with custom URL, safelisting, and upgrade control

🤝 Customer Support & Community

In the world of endpoint management, having access to responsive support and a knowledgeable community can make all the difference – especially during critical deployments, troubleshooting, or compliance audits. Hexnode and Jamf both invest heavily in support infrastructure.

Hexnode: Global Support with a Growing Community

Hexnode offers 24×5 support via email, phone, and live chat, with a strong emphasis on self-service resources and partner enablement.

🧑‍💻 Support Channels

• Email: support@hexnode.com
• Phone: Toll-free numbers across US, UK, AU, NZ, CH, and India
• Live Chat: Available via the Hexnode website
• Raise a Ticket: Direct support ticketing system for technical issues

📚 Self-Service Resources

• Hexnode Help Center: Extensive documentation, how-to guides, and quickstart tutorials
• Hexnode Academy: Free training modules for admins and partners
• Webinars & Demos: Regular sessions on new features and best practices
• Developer Docs: API guides and integration walkthroughs

🌐 Community Engagement

• Hexnode Connect: A dedicated community forum for discussions, troubleshooting, and feature ideation

Jamf: Apple-Centric Support

Jamf provides global technical support backed by a team of Apple experts and fosters one of the largest UEM communities in the industry – Jamf Nation.

🧑‍💻 Support Channels

• Jamf Support Portal: Central hub for ticketing, documentation, and product-specific help
• Multi-language Support: Available across regions including AMER, EMEIA, and APAC
• Feature Requests: Submit ideas directly to Jamf’s product team

📚 Self-Service Resources

• Knowledge Base: Hundreds of articles across Jamf Pro, Jamf Connect, Jamf Protect, and Jamf School
• Jamf Training & Certifications: Paid and free courses for IT professionals
• Jamf Blog & Tech Thoughts: Expert-written insights and tutorials

🌐 Community Engagement

• Jamf Heroes Program: Advocacy and recognition for top contributors

✅ Detailed Feature Comparison: Hexnode vs Jamf

To make evaluation easier, here’s a side-by-side breakdown of key features supported by Hexnode and Jamf.

Hexnode vs Jamf: A Strategic ROI Perspective

This infographic highlights how Hexnode Ultra stacks up against Jamf Business Bundle in terms of cost savings and deployment efficiency – key factors driving smarter IT investments.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

I manage a mix of Apple and non-Apple devices. Will Jamf work for me, or should I consider Hexnode?


Jamf is best suited for Apple-only environments. If you’re managing Android, Windows, Linux, or ChromeOS alongside Apple devices, Hexnode offers broader platform support under one dashboard.

We’re rolling out BYOD policies. Which platform handles personal devices better?

Jamf supports Apple’s User Enrollment for BYOD, which is secure but limited to Apple devices. Hexnode offers flexible BYOD enrollment across Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS using QR codes, email, and identity-based workflows.

We’re scaling fast. Which platform offers better API and integration flexibility?

Hexnode provides a RESTful API and integrates with a wide range of ITSM, security, and compliance tools. Jamf has a robust API and a large marketplace, especially for Apple-focused workflows.

How does Hexnode handle patch management across platforms?

Hexnode offers centralized patch management for Windows and macOS, allowing admins to deploy, roll back, and monitor patches from a single console.

What kind of customer support can I expect from Hexnode and Jamf?

Hexnode offers 24×5 live chat, email, and phone support at no extra cost, making it highly accessible for IT teams. Jamf provides support during business hours, with premium support packages available at an additional cost ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 per year.

🧭 Conclusion

Choosing the right Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution isn’t just about features – it’s about fit. It’s about how well a platform aligns with your organization’s device ecosystem, security posture, and operational workflows.

Jamf shines in Apple-centric environments, offering deep integration, same-day OS support, and a mature ecosystem tailored for macOS, iOS, and visionOS. If your fleet is predominantly Apple and you value native workflows, Jamf delivers a seamless experience with powerful automation and compliance tools.

Hexnode, on the other hand, is built for diverse device environments. Whether you’re managing Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, or ChromeOS, Hexnode provides a unified dashboard, flexible enrollment options, and enterprise-grade security across platforms. Its pricing model, customization capabilities, and integration flexibility make it a strong contender for SMBs, MSPs, and hybrid organizations.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your device mix, IT maturity, and long-term goals. Both platforms are robust, but they serve different operational philosophies. Use this guide to evaluate your priorities – and when in doubt, take advantage of free trials, community forums, and vendor demos to explore hands-on.